A CONTROVERSIAL new booking system at Dorset’s household recycling centres has officially come into force and it is already sparking frustration among some residents.
From Monday (March 23), anyone planning to visit tips in Shaftesbury, Sherborne, Dorchester and Wimborne must now book a time slot in advance through Dorset Council.
The move applies to all visitors – whether arriving by car, van, bike or even on foot – and comes alongside a new charge for those living outside the council’s area, who must now pay £8.50 per visit.
While the council says the changes are designed to improve efficiency, critics argue the system adds unnecessary hassle and penalises those who live just over the border but rely on nearby sites.
To use the four affected recycling centres, residents must book online or by phone, providing personal details, vehicle registration and a preferred time slot.
Visitors are then given a 30-minute window to arrive.
On site, a camera will automatically check number plates against the booking system.
A green light allows entry, while those without a booking will be stopped and directed to staff.
Proof of address may also be requested to ensure bookings are being used correctly.
The changes also affect people bringing DIY waste, who must now book in advance to use their free allowance.
Cabinet member for place services Cllr Jon Andrews said: “Our new booking system is now in place at four of our household recycling centres, and we know many people want to understand exactly how it works.
“By asking residents to book ahead, we can manage these sites more smoothly and make visits more predictable. The camera and light system at the entrance will help keep traffic moving steadily, and our teams will be there to support anyone who needs help. If you are not confident using the online form, you can also use our phone booking service.”
Just watch fly tipping increase.
Instead of traveling from Henstridge to Sherborne, we now have to travel to the other side of Yeovil. You can shove your £8.50 charge. The money I spend in Sherborne when I do a tip run, will now be spent in Yeovil. If I’m not welcome at the waste centre, I obviously won’t be welcomed in the town centre.
These slots will fill quickly and then there will be a waiting list and you will be in a queue with people who don’t know about it, just treat it like a business and charge everyone then you can treat them as customers not an inconvenience, that’s where we are going to end up anyway so just get on with it and save us all the hassle
This is complete nonsense. I live 2 miles outside Shaftesbury, just over the border in Wiltshire. I will now have a 40 mile round trip to Salisbury, rather than a 4 mile one… Bang goes the drive to Net Zero.
And my shopping money will now be spent in Salisbury.
I agree with David Wingate,flytiping will increase, that’s sad.